Elderly Man Dies

San Bernardino County Firefighters Tuesday December 30, 2014, 9:40 A.M., responded to a report of a structure fire. One person could possibly be trapped house fire, at the 1600 block of Hazel Place in Rim Forest. Upon their arrival, the top two floors of the 1,600 square foot, 3-story home, was fully involved in fire. Firefighters quickly went into attack mode and tried to make entry into the home; however, were hindered by downed live power lines and the house was starting to collapse. Once firefighters were able to make entry, they found an elderly man deceased near the back door of the first floor. Eight pet birds were also found dead inside.

The house is located on a steep mountainside and the fire caught surrounding vegetation and two large pine trees on fire. Firefighters were instrumental in keeping the fire from spreading to the two adjacent homes. One out-building was lost to the fire.

Due to the steep terrain and location of the home, coupled with the narrow windy roads and increment weather, it took 37 firefighters about two hours to bring the fire under control. San Bernardino County Fire responded with 6 fire engines and 2 ambulances.

Thank you to our cooperators who sent 1 fire engine and 1 patrol from the U.S. Forest Service, 1 fire engine from Running Springs Fire Dept. and 1 fire engine from CalFire.

San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff Investigators remain on scene. The cause of the fire has not been determined as of yet. Investigators stated the home is a complete loss, with estimates over $75,000 in damage. There were no other injuries.